The Indiana Pacers are finally looking like title contenders once again after a slow start. Over halfway through the season, they are 24-19 and own the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their defense is improved over last year, and their offense is starting to reach 2024 levels. Additionally, they are mostly healthy now that Aaron Nesmith has finally returned from his ankle injury.
Last season, the Pacers were just four wins away from reaching their first NBA Finals in over two decades. With most of the exact same roster intact, the Pacers seemingly have a young, contending roster that can bring Indiana their first NBA title in franchise history. Nonetheless, that does not mean they are guaranteed to stand pat. And with the trade deadline only a couple of weeks away, they remain a team to monitor.
The Pacers have been rumored to potentially move on from players like Obi Toppin, Myles Turner, or Andrew Nembhard. On the flip side, though, they are reportedly one of numerous teams pursuing a trade for Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson. Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), reported that the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the favorites to land Johnson, no longer seem like a realistic landing spot for the Nets forward.
“One team we’re scratching off the list of Cam Johnson suitors: Oklahoma City,” Fischer wrote. “We’ve found no credible evidence of Johnson-to-OKC talks … even though such chatter continues to make the rounds. The Thunder, like the Cavaliers, don’t want to do anything to disrupt a roster that resides firmly atop its conference.”
Johnson is a fantastic player, and there is a lot to like about him potentially landing in Indiana. However, the Pacers are better off copying the Thunder and backing out of the sweepstakes, even though a trade for Johnson just got a little bit easier.
The Pacers should back out of the Cam Johnson sweepstakes
The 28-year-old is having a career year, averaging 19.5 points on 50% shooting from the field and 42.6% from the three-point line. Additionally, he is only in the second year of his four-year, $94.5 million contract. On paper, Johnson could be a good addition for the Pacers. However, there are some other factors to consider.
First, it seems like there is a bidding war for Johnson. Recently, Fischer reported that the Nets have a high asking price for Johnson–“as many as two first-round picks packaged with a young player.” This may be Brooklyn’s asking price, but if that many other teams want to make a trade for him, the Pacers would likely have to give up more than this. Ultimately, it is not worth it.
Second, the way the Pacers have played as of late is more indicative of their true selves, not the version of them we saw earlier in the season. Most of their essential players are young and under contract for the long haul. There is reason to believe this current squad is capable of raising a banner down the line. Trading most of those assets, especially right as they are getting hot, is way too risky.
